360 degree dual pivot variable torque hinge mechanism

ABSTRACT

In one general aspect, a method of coupling a base to a lid of a computing device using a hinge can include coupling a base hinge flange to the base, the base hinge flange being connected to a base hinge part that includes a knuckle including a toggle pivot, the toggle pivot coupled to and surrounding a first portion of a first shaft, and coupling a lid hinge flange to the lid, the lid hinge flange being connected to a main hinge part that includes a first cam, the lid hinge flange including a first lid main band and a second lid main band surrounding a first portion of a second shaft, the second shaft being parallel to the first shaft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1), to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/970,618, filed on Mar. 26, 2014, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This description generally relates to hinges for computing devices.

BACKGROUND

A computing device may be assembled from multiple separate parts. Inaddition, one or more components of the computing device may be used toattach the multiple parts of the computing device, and, in some cases,the attached parts may be moved and/or rotated with respect to oneanother. Example computing devices, such as laptop or notebook computersmay include a lid and a base. The lid can include a display device(e.g., a touchscreen) and the base can include one or more inputdevices, such as a keyboard, a pointing stick, mouse buttons, atouchpad, and/or a trackpad. The lid can be attached to the base suchthat the lid can be moved and/or rotated with respect to the base sothat the computing device can be placed into multiple positions. Inorder to achieve this rotation, the lid can be attached to the baseusing one or more moveable hinges that will allow the lid to be rotatedabout the base.

For example, in a closed position, the lid of the computing device is incontact with the top of the base of the computing device. In an openposition, for example, where a user of the computing device can view andinteract with both the touchscreen and the input devices included in thebase, the lid may be placed in a stationary position and atapproximately a 130-degree angle with respect to the base. In a fullopen position, for example, the user of the computing device mayinteract with the touchscreen display alone (e.g., using the computingdevice as a tablet). In this full open position, the lid of thecomputing device is in contact with the bottom of the base of thecomputing device. In order for a computing device to achieve all ofthese positions, the lid of the computing device must be able to berotated 360 degrees.

The amount of area occupied by one or more hinges used to couple the lidof the computing device to the base of the computing device can affectthe overall size (e.g., thickness) of the computing device. As computingdevices become smaller and thinner, it would be beneficial if the one ormore hinges used to couple the lid to the base of the computing devicealso could be reduced in size (e.g., diameter). In some cases, however,this may be difficult when the lid of the computing device must be ableto rotate 360 degrees with respect to the base of the computing device.

A user interacting with the computing device would prefer to move thelid with respect to the base using a smooth uniform motion as opposed tomultiple disjointed “jerk-like” movements. In addition, the user wouldlike to have the selected position of the lid with respect to the basebe a stable, stationary position once movement of the lid is stopped.

Thus, a need exists for systems, methods, and apparatus to address theshortfalls of present technology and to provide other new and innovativefeatures.

SUMMARY

In one general aspect, a computing device can include a lid, and a basecoupled to the lid by a hinge. The hinge can include a base hinge partincluding a base hinge flange and a knuckle including a toggle pivot.The toggle pivot can be coupled to and can surround a first portion of afirst shaft. A main hinge part can include a first cam and a lid hingeflange including a first lid main band and a second lid main bandsurrounding a first portion of a second shaft. The second shaft can beparallel to the first shaft. The base hinge flange can be connected tothe base. The lid hinge flange can be connected to the lid. The firstcam can surround a second portion of the second shaft, the secondportion being adjacent to the first portion of the second shaft. Thefirst lid main band, the second main lid band, and the first cam can beconfigured to rotate about the second shaft causing the lid to rotaterelative to the base. The rotation can be from a first position to asecond position, and the rotation can be from a third position to afourth position. The base hinge flange can include a first base mainband and a second base main band surrounding a second portion of thefirst shaft. The first base main band and a second base main band can beconfigured to rotate about the first shaft causing the lid to rotaterelative to the base, the rotation being from the second position to thethird position.

Example implementations may include one or more of the followingfeatures. For instance, a main hinge torque can be associated with themain hinge part and a base hinge torque can be associated with the basehinge part. The main hinge torque can be less than the base hinge torquewhen the lid rotation is from the first position to the second positionand from the third position to the fourth position. The main hingetorque can be greater than the base hinge torque when the lid rotationis from the second position to the third position. The computing devicecan further include a washer stack, and a second cam surrounding a thirdportion of the second shaft located between the first portion and thesecond portion, the second cam being located between the washer stackand the first cam. The first cam can be pushed away from the second camwhen the lid is in the second position, the pushing compressing thewasher stack. The washer stack can include a plurality of frictionwashers surrounding the second shaft and configured as a stack. A mainhinge torque can be associated with the main hinge part and a base hingetorque can be associated with the base hinge part. Compressing thewasher stack can increase the main hinge torque. The main hinge part canfurther include an end nut that surrounds a fourth portion of the secondshaft. The fourth portion can be located at an end of the second shaft,the end nut retaining the washer stack on the second shaft. A diameterof the base hinge part can be less than a diameter of the main hingepart. The second shaft can be hollow. The computing device can furtherinclude a plurality of wires that pass through the second shaft. Theplurality of wires can connect a first electrical component in the baseof the computing device to a second electrical component in the lid ofthe computing device. The first electrical component can be a main logicboard. The second electrical component can be one of a display, a camerasensor, a touch sensor, or an ambient light sensor. The hinge can becoupled to the base such that the base hinge part is located within arecess included in the base. The main hinge part can be located outsideof the base, and horizontally offset from the base hinge part. The firstposition can be a position where the lid is in contact with the base.The second position can be a position where the lid is placed at anangle that is approximately 135 degrees with respect to the base. Thethird position can be a position where the lid is placed at an anglethat is approximately 225 degrees with respect to the base. The fourthposition can be a position where the lid is placed at an angle that isapproximately 360 degrees with respect to the base. A torque applied tothe lid by the main hinge part when the lid is rotated from the firstposition to the second position and when the lid is rotated from thethird position to the fourth position can be substantially the same as atorque applied to the lid by the base hinge part when the lid is rotatedfrom the second position to the third position.

In another general aspect, a method of coupling a base to a lid of acomputing device using a hinge can include coupling a base hinge flangeto the base, the base hinge flange being connected to a base hinge partthat includes a knuckle including a toggle pivot, the toggle pivotcoupled to and surrounding a first portion of a first shaft, andcoupling a lid hinge flange to the lid, the lid hinge flange beingconnected to a main hinge part that includes a first cam, the lid hingeflange including a first lid main band and a second lid main bandsurrounding a first portion of a second shaft, the second shaft beingparallel to the first shaft. The first cam can surround a second portionof the second shaft, the second portion being adjacent to the firstportion of the second shaft. Rotating the main hinge part can cause thefirst lid main band, the second main lid band, and the first cam torotate about the second shaft causing the lid to rotate relative to thebase, the rotation being from a first position to a second position, andthe rotation being from a third position to a fourth position. The basehinge flange can include a first base main band and a second base mainband surrounding a second portion of the first shaft. Rotating the basehinge part can cause the toggle pivot to rotate causing the first basemain band and a second base main band to rotate about the first shaftcausing the lid to rotate relative to the base, the rotation being fromthe second position to the third position.

Example implementations may include one or more of the followingfeatures. For instance, a main hinge torque can be associated with themain hinge part and a base hinge torque can be associated with the basehinge part. The main hinge torque can be less than the base hinge torquewhen the lid rotates from the first position to the second position andfrom the third position to the fourth position. The main hinge torquecan be greater than the base hinge torque when the lid rotates from thesecond position to the third position.

In another general aspect, a computing device can include a lid, and abase coupled to the lid by a dual pivot hinge. The dual pivot hinge caninclude a first pivot structure coupled to the lid and including a firstpivot point, and a second pivot structure coupled to the base andincluding a second pivot point. The first pivot point and the secondpivot point are spaced at a distance from one another such that the lidcan clear the base when the lid is rotated relative to the base.

Example implementations may include one or more of the followingfeatures. For instance, the first pivot structure can include a frictionelement different from a friction element included in the second pivotstructure. The first pivot structure can include a hallow shaft. Thecomputing device can further include a plurality of wires. A diameter ofthe hollow shaft can be determined to allow the plurality of wires topass through the hollow shaft. A diameter of the second pivot structurecan be less than a diameter of the first pivot structure. A diameter ofthe first pivot structure can be different from a diameter of the secondpivot structure. The first pivot structure can be horizontally offsetfrom the second pivot structure. The dual pivot hinge can sequence therotation of the first pivot structure and the second pivot structurewhen the lid is rotated relative to the base. A friction elementincluded in the first pivot structure can be different from a frictionelement included in the second pivot structure.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will beapparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram of an example computing device that includes dualpivot variable torque hinges.

FIG. 1B is a diagram that illustrates a general side view of a dualpivot variable torque hinge showing parts that are located outside of,and inside of, a lid and a base of a computing device.

FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates a top view of an example computingdevice that includes a hinge assembly.

FIG. 3 is a diagram that illustrates components included in an examplehinge assembly for a computing device.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the example hinge assemblyshown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the example main hinge assemblyshown in FIG. 3 along a plane parallel to a rear/back of a computingdevice.

FIGS. 6A-F are diagrams that illustrate the example computing devicewith a lid placed at various angles with respect to a base of thecomputing device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method for connectinga lid of a computing device to a base of a computing device using a dualpivot variable torque hinge.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, reducing the size and weight of a computing device can allowfor the design of smaller, thinner, slimmer and more elegant enclosures.In addition, a user may utilize the computing device in different modesof operation. For example, a laptop or notebook computer that includes atouchscreen may be used in a “standard” mode. In the standard mode, alid of the computing device can include a touchscreen and a user of thecomputing device can rotate the lid with respect to a base of thecomputing device. The user can rotate the lid to place the lid in astationary position that is at a specific angle with respect to the baseof the computing device. The user can place the base on a relativelyflat stationary surface (e.g., a desktop, a lap of a user). An exampleof a standard mode is shown with respect to FIG. 6C, described in moredetail below. In the standard mode, the user can interact with variousinputs included in the base of the computing device while viewing thetouchscreen. In addition, the touchscreen can receive input from theuser.

The lid of the computing device may be rotated so that the back of thelid contacts the bottom of the base. This allows the computing device tobe used, for example, in a tablet mode. An example of a tablet mode isshown with respect to FIG. 6F, described in more detail below.

For the computing device to be used in these multiple modes, the lid ofthe computing device can rotate/pivot approximately 360 degrees withrespect to the base of the computing device. For example, the lid can berotated from a closed position of the computing device, where the lidcontacts an upper surface of the base to a fully opened position (tabletmode), where the lid contacts a lower surface of the base. FIG. 6A andFIG. 6F, respectively, illustrate examples of these positions.

To rotate the lid approximately 360 degrees with respect to the base,the computing device includes at least two pivot points. The two pivotpoints are spaced a distance from one another so that the lid can clearthe base when rotated. In addition, or in the alternative, the two pivotpoints can prevent the lid and the base from skewing as the lid is beingrotated.

In some implementations, a standard dual pivot hinge can connect a lidto a base of a computing device. The use of a dual pivot hinge allowsfor 180 degrees of rotation about pivot points. A dual pivot hinge caninclude two pivot structures, which, in some implementations are thesame type of structure and in other implementations are different typesof structures. The diameter of each pivot structure can be the same, anda first pivot structure can be placed vertically above the second pivotstructure. The first pivot structure can be coupled to the lid of thecomputing device and the second pivot structure can be coupled to thebase of the computing device. In some cases, each pivot structure canutilize the same type of friction elements. In other cases, each pivotstructure can utilize different types of friction elements. In addition,when connecting the lid to the base of the computing device, wires canbe run from electronics included in the base of the computing device(e.g., a motherboard) to components included in the lid of the computingdevice (e.g., a touchscreen display) and vice versa. The wires can bethreaded or placed along a pivot axis and may twist as the lid isrotated. As such, a pivot may include a hollow shaft for inclusion ofthe wires, and a diameter of the shaft is determined based on beinglarge enough to accommodate the wires. In addition, the diameter of thepivot can further be based on the inclusion of one or more frictionelements, a mounting tab, and a cosmetic cover. For example, this canresult in a pivot structure that is approximately eight millimeters indiameter. To rotate the lid approximately 360 degrees with respect tothe base, two such pivot structures are needed, resulting in a computingdevice that is approximately 16 millimeters thick.

To reduce the thickness of the computing device while allowing the lidto be rotated approximately 360 degrees with respect to the base, a dualpivot variable torque hinge can include two different diameter pivotstructures (two different types of hinges) horizontally offset from oneanother (i.e., not vertically stacked). The two different types of pivotstructures can form a dual pivot variable torque hinge mechanism thatcan sequence the rotation of each pivot structure (each hinge).

A first pivot structure (a main hinge) can utilize one type of frictionelement and can include a hollow shaft to incorporate wires running fromthe base of the computing device to the lid. In some implementations, asecond pivot structure (a base hinge) can utilize another type offriction element, different from the friction element used in the firstpivot structure. In some implementations, the second pivot structure canutilize the same type of friction element as used in the first pivotstructure. The dual pivot variable torque hinge can control thesequencing of the rotation of each pivot structure while the lid isbeing rotated with respect to the base. The control can provide asmooth, seamless transition between the pivot structures allowing theuser to experience movement of the lid as one smooth continuous motion.

This design of the dual pivot variable torque hinge utilizes a secondpivot structure that has a smaller diameter than that of the first pivotstructure. This can allow for a computing device that can be thinnerthan a computing device that incorporates a standard dual pivot hinge.The second pivot structure can be of a diameter less than the firstpivot structure and since the first pivot structure and the second pivotstructure are not vertically stacked, the overall thickness of thecomputing device can be further reduced.

FIG. 1A is a diagram of an example computing device 102 that includesdual pivot variable torque hinges 150 (where reference to dual pivotvariable torque hinges 150 (without an alphabetical suffix) refers tothe pair or dual pivot variable torque hinges 150 a and 150 b). Theexample computing device 102 is shown in a closed position where a lid104 is substantially in contact with a base 106. The base 106 and thelid 104 can be attached to each other using a first dual pivot variabletorque hinge 150 a that is located at first end of a back 116 of thecomputing device 102 and a second dual pivot variable torque hinge 150 bthat is located at a second end of the back 116 of the computing device102, opposite to the first end. In the example computing device 102shown in FIG. 1A, the first end is proximate to a right side 146 of thecomputing device 102 and the second end is proximate to a left side 148of the computing device 102.

Though the example computing device 102 includes two dual pivot variabletorque hinges 150 located at opposite ends of the back 116 of thecomputing device 102, other implementations are possible. For example,the computing device 102 may be a laptop or notebook computer, or aportable phone such as a flip phone. In some implementations, acomputing device may include a single dual pivot variable torque hinge,for example, when the computing device is a flip phone. In theseimplementations, based on the size of the computing device, a singledual pivot variable torque hinge can be used to effectively rotate a lidapproximately 360 degrees from a base of the computing device.

In another example, the computing device 102 may be a laptop computerwith a large, high-resolution touchscreen incorporated into the lid 104of the computing device. The use of a high-resolution screen can makethe width 10 and the length 12 of the computing device 102 (and the lid104) large enough so that a third dual pivot variable torque hinge(e.g., located in the center of the back 116 of the computing device102) along with dual pivot variable torque hinges 150 may be needed toeffectively rotate the lid 104 approximately 360 degrees with respect tothe base 106 of the computing device 102. In addition or in thealternative, the computing device 102 may include a third dual pivotvariable torque hinge based on the weight of the high-resolution screen.

The descriptions of a dual pivot variable torque hinge included hereincan be applied to each dual pivot variable torque hinge included in acomputing device. As such, descriptions of the form and functionality ofa first dual pivot variable torque hinge can be applied to a descriptionof the form and functionality of a second dual pivot variable torquehinge (and any additional dual pivot variable torque hinges) and viceversa.

FIG. 1B is a diagram that illustrates a general side view of the dualpivot variable torque hinge 150 showing parts that are located outsideof, and inside of, the lid 104 and the base 106 of the computing device102. As shown in FIG. 2, part of a lid hinge flange 112 is locatedoutside of the lid 104 and part of the lid hinge flange 112 is locatedinside of the lid 104. Similarly, part of a toggle neck 110 is locatedoutside of the base 106 and part of the toggle neck 110 is locatedinside of the base 106. In addition, the toggle neck 110 is connected toa toggle pivot 152. The toggle pivot 152 surrounds a first shaft 170. Insome implementations, the toggle pivot 152 and the first shaft 170 arelocated within a well included in the base 106 allowing the toggle pivot152 to rotate/turn within the well. In some implementations, the firstshaft 170 is a solid shaft. A base hinge flange 160 is coupled to thebase 106 and to the first shaft 170. For example, the base hinge flange160 can include at least one band, with a geometry similar to a questionmark, which is placed over the first shaft 170. This configuration willbe shown in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. Rotational movement ofthe toggle pivot 152 results in movement of the lid 104 of the computingdevice 102 at an angle relative to the base 106 of the computing device102. In addition, rotational movement of the toggle pivot 152 rotatesthe first shaft 170 within the at least one band.

The lid hinge flange 112 is coupled to the lid 104 so that rotationalmovement of the lid hinge flange 112 about a second shaft 172 results inmovement of the lid 104 at an angle relative to the base 106.

In the example dual pivot variable torque hinge 150 shown in FIG. 1B, adiameter 16 (e.g., 0.4 millimeters (mm)) of the toggle pivot 152 is lessthan a diameter 18 (e.g., 0.8 mm) of the main hinge 108. In some cases,a diameter 16 of the toggle pivot 152 may be less than 0.4 mm (e.g., 0.3mm). In some cases, a diameter 16 of the toggle pivot 152 may be greaterthan 0.4 mm (e.g., 0.5 mm). In some cases, a diameter 18 of the mainhinge 108 may be less than 0.8 mm (e.g., 0.7 mm). In some cases, adiameter 18 of the main hinge 108 may be greater than 0.8 mm (e.g., 0.9mm).

A thickness (height) 14 of the computing device 102 may be determinedbased on the size (the diameter 16) of the toggle pivot 152 included inthe base 106 of the computing device 102. For example, a base thickness(height) 11 b can be determined such that the toggle pivot 152 fitswithin the base 106 and can be rotated within the base 106. A lidthickness (height) 11 a may be determined, for example, based on a size(thickness) of a display device included in the lid 104. Since the mainhinge 108 is placed outside of the computing device 102, the size of themain hinge 108 (i.e., the diameter 18) does not contribute todetermining the thickness of the lid 104 or the base 106. As will bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 3-5 and 6A-F, rotational criteria forthe dual pivot variable torque hinges 150 can determine a value for thediameter 18 and for the diameter 16. Keeping the diameter 16 of thetoggle pivot 152 small can keep the thickness 11 b of the base 106small. This can result in a thin computing device 102 whose lid 104 canbe rotated 360 degrees relative to the base 106.

In some implementations, the base thickness 11 b is greater than the lidthickness 11 a. In some implementations, the base thickness 11 b is lessthan the lid thickness 11 a. In some implementations, the base thickness11 b can be similar to (identical to) the lid thickness 11 a.

The base 106 can be made of a rigid material, such as plastic or metal.The base 106 can include components of the computing device 102. Thecomponents can include, but are not limited to, a main logic board(MLB), a central processing unit (CPU), memory, a battery, and one ormore input devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing stick, mouse buttons,a touchpad, and/or a trackpad. The base 106 can include an upper surface107 a and a lower surface 107 b. The components of the computing device102 can be positioned in an area between the upper surface 107 a and thelower surface 107 b. The lid 104 can include one or more components thatcan include, but are not limited to, a display device, one or moresensors and other devices (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), aplasma display, a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a touchscreendevice, a camera sensor, a touch sensor, a microphone, an ambient lightsensor).

FIG. 2 is a diagram that illustrates a top view of an example computingdevice 202 that includes a hinge assembly (shown covered in FIG. 2). Thecomputing device 202 can be any of the computing devices disclosedherein. The computing device 202 is shown in a closed position where alid 204 is in contact with a top surface of a base 206. Components ofthe hinge assembly will be shown and described with reference to FIG. 3.

The hinge assembly is located at a back 216 of the computing device 202and can include one or more (e.g., two) dual pivot variable torquehinges (e.g., dual pivot variable torque hinges 150 as shown in FIG. 1A)that can each be concealed/covered using a right end cover 292 and aleft end cover 294, respectively. A housing 290 can conceal/cover ahollow shaft and one or more cable passageways.

FIG. 3 is a diagram that illustrates components included in an examplehinge assembly 300 for a computing device (e.g., the computing devicesdisclosed herein). For example, the hinge assembly 300 shown in FIG. 3will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows the componentsincluded in an example dual pivot variable torque hinge 350 a (e.g.,dual pivot variable torque hinge 150 a located on the right side 146 ofcomputing device 102). In addition, FIG. 3 shows a housing 390 thatconceals/covers a second shaft 372. The housing 390 can include ahousing neck 392. The housing neck 392 can include one or more cablepassageways (e.g., cable passageway 374). Though not shown in FIG. 3,another dual pivot variable torque hinge can be located opposite to thedual pivot variable torque hinge 350 a (e.g., dual pivot variable torquehinge 150 b located on the left side 148 of computing device 102).

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the cable passageway 374 allows cablewires 376 to pass through the cable passageway 374 from a base of acomputing device (e.g., the base 106 of the computing device 102) to alid of a computing device (e.g., the lid 104 of the computing device102). The cables wires 376 pass through the cable passageway 374, andthrough the second shaft 372, which is hollow. Though FIG. 3 shows cablewires 376, in some implementations, multiple bundles of cable wires(e.g., two or more) can be run from a base of a computing device,through the one or more cable passageways, and through the second shaft372 to a lid of the computing device.

The cable wires 376 can serve as electronic communication mediums fordifferent electrical components included in a computing device. Thecable wires 376 can connect, at one end (e.g., cable end 376 a), toelectrical components included in the base of the computing device. Thecable wires 376 can also connect at another end (e.g., cable end 376 b)to electrical components included in the lid of the computing device. Insome implementations, the cable wires 376 can be ribbon cables thatinclude a plurality of separate wires. In some implementations, thecable wires 376 can be individual wires that may be bundled or otherwisetied together to form a cable.

A knuckle 354 includes a toggle pivot 352 (e.g., toggle pivot 152), atoggle neck 310 (e.g., toggle neck 110), and a casing 356. The casing356 surrounds a portion of the second shaft 372. In someimplementations, the second shaft 372 can run along the back (rear) ofthe computing device, where components included in dual pivot variabletorque hinges located on each end of the computing device can be coupledto, interface with, or surround the second shaft 372. In someimplementations, the second shaft 372 may run along part of the back ofthe computing device (e.g., the right side/end). Another second shaftcan be included on the other end of the computing device. Another dualpivot variable torque hinge can also be located on the other end of thecomputing device. The other second shaft may run along another part ofthe back of the computing device (e.g., the left side/end).

The toggle pivot 352 is operatively coupled to a first shaft 370 suchthat rotation of the toggle pivot 352 also results in rotation of thefirst shaft 370.

A lid hinge flange 312 includes a lid mounting tab 314 and lid mainbands 316 a-b (first lid main band 316 a and second lid main band 316b). Each lid main band 316 a-b can have a geometry similar to a questionmark—i.e., having a profile with first section that is part of a circle(e.g., more than 180 degrees, but less than 360 degrees, of the circle)connected to a straight section at an end of the first section. Each lidmain band 316 a-b is placed over/surrounds a portion of the second shaft372. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the lid main band 316 a has ageometry similar to a question mark and is placed over/surrounds thesecond shaft 372, where the placement of the first lid main band 316 aresults in the question mark geometry being placed over/surrounding thesecond shaft 372 in a counterclockwise direction. In the example shownin FIG. 3, the second lid main band 316 b also has a geometry similar toa question mark and is placed over/surrounds the second shaft 372, wherethe placement of the first lid main band 316 a results in the questionmark geometry being placed over/surrounding the second shaft 372 in aclockwise direction.

The lid mounting tab 314 can be coupled to/connected to a lid of acomputing device (e.g., lid 104 of computing device 102). In some cases,a torque applied to the lid of the computing device by a user of thecomputing device can cause the lid main bands 316 a-b to rotate aboutthe second shaft 372. The rotation of the lid main bands 316 a-b causesthe lid of the computing device to rotate with respect to the base ofthe computing device (e.g., base 106 of computing device 102).

The main hinge 108 can be implemented using constant friction hinges(e.g., question mark style hinges) providing smooth movement of thehinges that translates to smooth movement of the lid 104. The constantfriction hinges can be implemented to provide sufficient friction toallow the lid 104 to remain stable in positions between the closedposition and the 135-degree position (and between the 225-degreeposition and the 360-degree position). In some implementations, othertypes of constant friction hinges may be used (e.g., washer styleconstant friction hinges).

A first cam 380 surrounds a portion of the second shaft 372 and iscoupled to/attached to the lid hinge flange 312 (and specifically thelid mounting tab 314) using two tabs 382 a-b that extend out from thefirst cam 380. A portion of the lid mounting tab 314 is located betweenthe two tabs 382 a-b. A rivet pin 384 placed through openings/holes inthe two tabs 382 a-b and the lid mounting tab 314 connects/couples thefirst cam 380 to the lid hinge flange 312. A second cam 386 surrounds aportion of the second shaft 372. One side/edge/end of the second cam 386is adjacent to a side/edge/end of the first cam 380. Anotherside/edge/end of the second cam 386 is adjacent to a plurality ofwashers included in a washer stack 324. In some implementations, thewasher stack 324 can be a wave spring. The washer stack 324 can provideadditional variable friction to the main hinge 108. The first cam 380and the second cam 386 can control the compression of the washer stack324, affecting the friction of the main hinge 108 and the torque thatmust be applied to move the main hinge 108. For example, furthercompressing the washer stack 324 can increase the torque that must beapplied to move the main hinge 108.

The washer stack 324 is adjacent to an end nut 328 on a side/end/edge ofthe washer stack 324 opposite to the side/end/edge that is adjacent tothe second cam 386. The end nut 328, which is internally threaded,surrounds a portion of the second shaft 372 that is externally threaded.In the example shown in FIG. 3, the internal threads of the end nut 328can be placed within the external threads of the portion of the secondshaft 372. Rotation of the end nut 328 can move the end nut 328 alongthe second shaft 372 and towards the washer stack 324. The washer stack324 is placed/captured between the second cam 386 and the end nut 328,where the end nut 328 acts as a retainer of the washer stack 324. Awasher 326 can be placed between the washer stack 324 and the end nut328. The washer 326 can act as a buffer between the end nut 328 and thewasher stack 324.

The lid hinge flange 312, the first cam 380, the second cam 386, thewasher stack 324, the washer 326, and the end nut 328 can be consideredthe parts/components for a main hinge (e.g., the main hinge 108). Themain hinge 108 can be implemented as a friction hinge allowing movementand placement of the lid 104 in static positions.

A base hinge flange 360 includes a base mounting tab 362 and one or morebase main bands (e.g., base main band 364). The base hinge flange 360and the knuckle 354 can be considered the parts/components for a basehinge. As shown in the example of FIG. 3, the base main band 364 canhave a geometry similar to a question mark. The base main band 364 isplaced over/surrounds a portion of the first shaft 370. Rotation of thetoggle pivot 352 rotates the first shaft 370 within the base main band364. Though not shown in FIG. 3, another base main band, similar to thebase main band 364, is coupled to the base mounting tab 362 (the view ofthe other base main band is obstructed by the lid mounting tab 314), androtation of the toggle pivot 352 rotates the first shaft 370 within themain bands.

Each base main band is placed over/surrounds a portion of the firstshaft 370. In the example shown in FIG. 3, similar to the lid main bands316 a-b, each of the base main bands can have a geometry similar to aquestion mark. The placement of the base main band 364 results in thequestion mark geometry being placed over/surrounding the second shaft372 in a clockwise direction. Though not shown, the placement of theother base main band results in the question mark geometry being placedover/surrounding the second shaft 372 in a counterclockwise direction.

The base mounting tab 362 can be coupled to/connected to a base of acomputing device (e.g., base 106 of computing device 102). In somecases, a torque applied to the lid of the computing device by a user ofthe computing device can cause the toggle pivot 352 to rotate allowingthe first shaft 370 to rotate within the one or more base main bands(e.g., the base main band 364). The rotation of the toggle pivot 352causes the lid of the computing device to rotate with respect to thebase of the computing device (e.g., base 106 of computing device 102).The base hinge can be implemented as a friction hinge allowing movementand placement of the lid 104 in static positions between the 135-degreeposition and the 225-degree position.

The base hinge can be implemented using constant friction hinges (e.g.,question mark style hinges) providing smooth movement of the hinges thattranslates to smooth movement of the lid 104. The constant frictionhinges can be implemented to provide sufficient friction to allow thelid 104 to remain stable in positions between the 135-degree positionand the 225-degree position. In some implementations, other types ofconstant friction hinges may be used (e.g., washer style constantfriction hinges).

In the example shown in FIG. 3, the second lid main band 316 b includesa tab 318. The tab 318 is placed in a detent 358 included in the knuckle354 (included in the casing 356). For example, an edge 318 a of the tab318 can contact an edge 358 a of the detent 358 when a lid of acomputing device (the lid coupled to the lid mounting tab 314 (e.g., lid104)) is substantially in contact with an upper surface of a base of acomputing device (the base coupled to the base mounting tab 362 (e.g.,upper surface 107 a of base 106)). The computing device can beconsidered in a closed position, as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 6A. In theclosed position, the lid of the computing device is considered to be ata zero degree angle with respect to the base of the computing device.The use of the tab 318 and the detent 358 can prevent any additionalrotation of the main hinge 108 once the computing device is in theclosed position.

In another example, an edge 318 b of the tab 318 can contact an edge 358b of the detent 358 when a lid of a computing device (the lid coupled tothe lid mounting tab 314 (e.g., lid 104)) is substantially in contactwith a lower surface of a base of a computing device (the base coupledto the base mounting tab 362 (e.g., lower surface 107 b of base 106)).The computing device can be considered to be in a fully open or tabletmode, as shown in FIG. 6F. In the tablet mode, the lid of the computingdevice is considered to be at a 360-degree angle with respect to thebase of the computing device. The use of the tab 318 and the detent 358can prevent any additional rotation of the main hinge 108 once thecomputing device is in the tablet mode.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view 400 of the example hinge assembly300 shown in FIG. 3. For example, referring to FIG. 3, thecross-sectional side view can be at section A-A′ as viewed lookingtowards the end nut 328 of the hinge assembly 300. The cross-sectionalview shows a cross-sectional view of the housing 390 (housing crosssection 490) and a cross-sectional view of the housing neck 392 (housingneck cross section 492). The cross-sectional view of the housing 390includes a cross-sectional view of the second shaft 372 (second shaftcross section 472) and, looking down the housing 390, a side view of thecasing 356 (casing side view 456). The cross-sectional side view 400shows wires 476 running from a base 406 of a computing device (e.g.,computing device 102 in FIG. 1A) through the housing neck 392 and intothe second shaft 472.

Also included in the cross-sectional side view 400, is a side view ofthe lid mounting tab 314 (lid mounting tab side view 414). The lidmounting tab 314 can be coupled to a lid 404 of the computing device.The cross-sectional side view 400 includes a side view of the first cam380 (first cam side view 480) including a side view of the rivet pin 384(rivet pin side view 484). The cross-sectional side view 400 includes aside view of the first shaft 370 (first shaft side view 470) enclosed inthe toggle pivot 352 as shown in the side view of the toggle pivot(toggle pivot side view 452). The cross-sectional side view 400 includesa side view of the base mounting tab 362 (base mounting tab side view462). The base mounting tab 362 can be coupled to the base 406 of thecomputing device.

As shown in the cross-sectional side view 400 in FIG. 4, the housingneck 392 (housing neck cross section 492) includes an opening 474 (e.g.cable passageway 374). The opening 474 allows the wires 476 to run fromthe base 106 into the housing neck 392 (housing neck cross section 492)and into the second shaft 372 (second shaft cross section 472). Inaddition, the opening 474 enables the housing 390 (that includes thehousing neck 392) to rotate when the base hinge flange 360 controls therotation of the lid 404. This rotation will be described in more detailwith reference to FIGS. 6A-F.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view 500 of the main hinge 108 shown in FIG.3. The cross-sectional view can be along a plane parallel to a rear/backof a computing device at section A-A″ (e.g., referring to FIG. 2, theback 216 of the computing device 202 where the main hinge 108 is locatedon a right end of the computing device 202 and is concealed using theright end cover 292). The cross-sectional view 500 shows across-sectional view of the housing 390 (housing cross section 590) anda cross-sectional view of the second shaft 372 (second shaft crosssection 572). The cross-sectional view 500 shows wires 576 runningthrough the second shaft 472.

Also included in the cross-sectional view 500, is a cross-sectional viewof the casing 356 (casing cross section 556); a cross-sectional view ofthe lid main bands 316 a-b (first lid main band cross section 516 a andsecond lid main band cross section 516 b); a cross-sectional view offirst cam 380 (first cam cross section 580); a cross-sectional view ofthe second cam 386 (second cam cross section 586); a cross-sectionalview of the washer stack 324 (washer stack cross section 524); and across-sectional view of the end nut 328 (end nut cross section 528). Asshown in FIG. 5, the second shaft 372 runs through/is surrounded atleast in part by the housing 390, the casing 356, the lid main bands 316a-b, the cams 380, 386, the washer stack 324 and the end nut 328.

FIGS. 6A-F are diagrams that illustrate the example computing device 102with the lid 104 placed at various angles with respect to the base 106of the computing device 102. The diagrams illustrate the various lidpositions from a side-view (the right side 146) of the computing device102. As described with reference to FIGS. 1A-B, and FIG. 3, the dualpivot variable torque hinge 150 includes the main hinge 108, the toggleneck 110, and the lid hinge flange 112 that are completely or, at leastpartially visible outside of the lid 104 and the base 106 of thecomputing device 102. Though not shown, the computing device 102 caninclude a second dual pivot variable torque hinge that includes similarparts. Reference to the dual pivot variable torque hinge 150 can alsorefer to the pair of dual pivot variable torque hinges.

The use of the dual pivot variable torque hinges enable the lid 104 torotate about the hinges and relative to the base 106. The dual pivotvariable torque hinges allow the lid 104 to rotate about the base 106,while constraining the rotational motion to prevent the lid 104 fromslipping away from the base 106. In addition, the hinges enable the lid104 to remain in a static position once the rotational motion stops.

The rotational motion allows a user of the computing device 102 to movethe lid 104 to multiple positions, as shown in FIGS. 6A-F. For example,the lid 204 can include a display area that can provide visual output tothe user. For example, the display area can include a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), a plasma display, or a light-emitting diode (LED)display. The display area can also receive input from a user, forexample as in a case where the display area includes a touchscreendevice. The lid may also include a camera sensor, a touch sensor, or anambient light sensor.

The base 206 can include one or more input devices such as a keyboard, apointing stick, mouse buttons, a touchpad, and/or a trackpad. Themultiple positions allow a user to change the viewing angle of thedisplay area relative to the base 206 while the base 206 remainsstationary. The user can place the computing device 202 into aconfiguration that allows the user to interact in a preferred way withthe computing device 202.

FIG. 6A is a diagram that illustrates the example computing device 102in a closed position from a side-view (the right side 146) where the lid104 is substantially in contact with the upper surface 107 a of the base106. In the closed position, the lid 104 can be considered at azero-degree angle with respect to the base 106. Also in the closedposition, a torque associated with the main hinge 108 (a main hingetorque) is less than a torque associated with the base hinge (a basehinge torque).

FIG. 6B illustrates an example configuration of the computing device 102where the lid 104 is rotated about the main hinge 108 of the dual pivotvariable torque hinge 150 and placed in a 120-degree position. In the120-degree position, the lid 104 is at an angle 602 that isapproximately 120-degrees (i.e., 120 degrees±5 degrees) with respect tothe base 106, which remains stationary. In the 120-degree position, forexample, the user can interact with the one or more input devicesincluded in the base 106 while viewing a display included in the lid104. In some cases, the placement of the lid 104 in this position can bea factor of the type of computing device. For example, a user using alaptop computer may place the lid 104 at greater than the 120-degreeangle with respect to the base 106. A user of a notebook or othercomputing device that is smaller than the laptop computer may place thelid 104 at an angle less than the 120-degree angle with respect to thebase 106.

Movement of the lid from the closed position shown in FIG. 6A to the120-degree position shown in FIG. 6B is accomplished by the rotationalmovement of the main hinge 108 as a user applies a force to the lid 104,pushing it up and away from the base 106. The rotational movement of themain hinge 108 provides/controls the movement of the lid 104 while thebase hinge remains stationary (it does not rotate). This occurs becausefrom the closed position up to the 120-degree position, the main hingetorque is less than the base hinge torque.

FIG. 6C illustrates an example configuration of the computing device 102where the lid 104 is rotated about the main hinge 108 of the dual pivotvariable torque hinge 150 and placed in a 135-degree position. In the135-degree position, the lid 104 is at an angle 604 that isapproximately 135-degrees (i.e., 135 degrees±5 degrees) with respect tothe base 106, which remains stationary. In the 135-degree position, forexample, the user can interact with the computing device in a mannersimilar to when the lid 104 of the computing device 102 is in the120-degree position.

Movement of the lid from the closed position shown in FIG. 6A, throughthe 120-degree position shown in FIG. 6B, and to the 135-degree positionshown in FIG. 6B is accomplished by the rotational movement of the mainhinge 108 as a user applies a force/torque to the lid 104, moving thelid 104 further away from the base 106. The torque is provided againstthe resistance of the washer stack 324. The rotational movement of themain hinge 108 provides/controls the movement of the lid 104 while thebase hinge remains stationary (does not rotate). This occurs becausefrom the closed position up to and including the 135-degree position,the main hinge torque is less than the base hinge torque.

FIG. 6D illustrates an example configuration of the computing device 102where the lid 104 is rotated about dual pivot variable torque hinges(e.g., dual pivot variable torque hinge 150) from the zero-degreeposition to a 180-degree position. In the 180-degree position, the lid104 is at an angle 606 that is approximately 180-degrees (i.e., 180degrees±5 degrees) with respect to the base 106.

Movement of the lid 104 from the closed position (as shown in FIG. 6A)to the 180-degree position is accomplished by the rotational movement ofthe main hinge 108, when moving the lid 104 from the closed position tothe 135-degree position, and then by the rotational movement of the basehinge, when moving the lid 104 further from the 135-degree position tothe 180-degree position. This occurs because from the closed position upto and including the 135-degree position, the main hinge torque is lessthan the base hinge torque. Continuing from the 135-degree up to the180-degree position, the base hinge torque is less than the main hingetorque (the main hinge torque is greater that the base hinge torque).Therefore, the base hinge takes over the movement of the lid 104 and themain hinge 108 remains stationary (does not rotate).

FIG. 6E illustrates an example configuration of the computing device 102where the lid 104 is rotated about dual pivot variable torque hinges(e.g., dual pivot variable torque hinge 150) from the zero-degreeposition to a 225-degree position. In the 225-degree position, the lid104 is at an angle 608 that is approximately 225-degrees (i.e., 225degrees±5 degrees) with respect to the base 106.

Movement of the lid 104 from the closed position (as shown in FIG. 6A)to the 225-degree position is accomplished by the rotational movement ofthe main hinge 108, when moving the lid 104 from the closed position tothe 135-degree position, and then by the rotational movement of the basehinge, when moving the lid 104 further from the 135-degree position tothe 225-degree position. This occurs because from the closed position upto and including the 135-degree position, the main hinge torque is lessthan the base hinge torque. Continuing from the 135-degree up to andincluding the 225-degree position, the base hinge torque is less thanthe main hinge torque (the main hinge torque is greater that the basehinge torque). Therefore, the base hinge takes over the movement of thelid 104 and the main hinge 108 remains stationary (does not rotate).

FIG. 6F illustrates an example configuration of the computing device 102where the lid 104 is rotated about dual pivot variable torque hinges(e.g., dual pivot variable torque hinge 150) from the zero-degreeposition to a 360-degree position. In the 360-degree position, the lid104 is at an angle 610 that is approximately 360-degrees (i.e., 360degrees±5 degrees) with respect to the base 106. In this 360-degreeposition, the lid 104 is in contact with a lower surface 107 b of thebase 106.

Movement of the lid 104 from the closed position (as shown in FIG. 6A)to the 360-degree position is accomplished by the rotational movement ofthe main hinge 108, when moving the lid 104 from the closed position tothe 135-degree position, by the rotational movement of the base hinge,when moving the lid 104 from the 135-degree position to the 225-degreeposition, and then by the rotational movement of the main hinge 108,when moving the lid 104 from the 225-degree position to the 360-degreeposition. This occurs because from the closed position up to the135-degree position, the main hinge torque is less than the base hingetorque, from the 135-degree position up to the 225-degree position, themain hinge torque is greater than the base hinge torque, and from the225-degree position up to the 360-degree position the main hinge torqueis less than the base hinge torque.

In order for the base hinge to continue the movement of the lid 104 whenthe lid 104 is moved/pushed beyond the 135-degree position, the mainhinge torque is increased by an incremental amount when the lid 104 isplaced at the 135-degree position. Referring to FIG. 3, the rotation ofthe main bands 316 a-b (specifically the second lid main band 316 b) andthe first cam 380 about the second shaft 372 can rotate/move the lidfrom the closed position up to the 135-degree position. As the135-degree position is approached from the closed position, the firstcam 380 and the second cam 386 push apart from one another, furthercompressing the washer stack 324, resulting in the creation ofadditional friction, thus increasing the torque of the main hinge 108.At the 135-degree position, the incremental increase to the main hingetorque results in the main hinge torque being greater than the basehinge torque. Subsequent movement of the lid beyond the 135-degreeposition and up to the 225-degree position (90 degrees of angularmovement of the lid 104 relative to the base 106) is performed by therotation of the base hinge.

In the 135-degree position, the lid 104 can be considered in a lockedposition or a position maintained by the main hinge 108 because the basehinge performs further movement of the lid 104, while the main hinge 108remains stationary. The base hinge moves/rotates the locked combinationof the lid 104 and the main hinge 108 for the next 90 degrees ofrotation (up to the 225-degree position of the lid 104 as shown in FIG.6E). The movement of the locked combination of the lid 104 and the mainhinge 108 effectively swings the combination of the lid 104 and the mainhinge 108 around the rear of the computing device such that the locationof the main hinge 108 moves from being located above the base 106 tobeing located below the base 106. This movement allows the lid 104 to befurther moved/rotated to the 360-degree position, where the lid 104 isin contact with a lower surface 107 b of the base 106. In someimplementations, when the lid 104 is rotated to the 135-degree position,the lid hinge flange 112 can be in-line with the toggle neck 110.

When the lid 104 is moved/pushed beyond the 225-degree position andtowards the 360-degree position, the main hinge torque is decreased byan incremental amount when the lid 104 is placed at the 225-degreeposition. Referring to FIG. 3, at the 225-degree position, furthermovement of the lid 104 causes the rotation of the main bands 316 a-b(specifically the second lid main band 316 b) and the first cam 380about the second shaft 372 causing the first cam 380 and the second cam386 to move towards one another, reducing the compression of the washerstack 324, resulting in a reduction in the friction, thus decreasing thetorque of the main hinge 108. At the 225-degree position, theincremental decrease to the main hinge torque results in the main hingetorque being less than the base hinge torque. Subsequent movement of thelid beyond the 225-degree position and up to the 360-degree position isperformed by the rotation of the main hinge 108.

The design/implementation of the washer stack 324 (e.g., the type ofwasher used, the number of washers used) is determined based on acalculated amount of additional torque needed by the main hinge 108 tomaintain the lid 104 in the 135-degree position while the base hingeperforms the next 90 degrees of rotation of the locked combination ofthe lid 104 and the main hinge 108. In addition, the calculated amountof additional torque results in the main hinge torque being greater thatthe base hinge torque when the lid 104 is placed at angles with respectto the base 106 that are between 135-degrees (i.e., 135 degrees±5degrees) and 225-degrees (i.e., 225 degrees±5 degrees).

The use of dual pivot variable torque hinges enables a user of acomputing device (e.g., the computing device 102) to apply a nearlyconstant torque to the lid (e.g., the lid 104) of the computing devicewhen moving/rotating the lid to any position between a closed positionand the 360-degree position. The applied torque overcomes the friction(resistance) of the main hinge 108 or the base hinge, dependent on theposition of the lid 104.

In addition, the lid 104 may be placed in static positions in betweenthose shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 6F (the lid 104 may be placed at anglesbetween the closed position and the 360-degree position with respect tothe base 106).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method 700 forconnecting a lid of a computing device to a base of a computing deviceusing a dual pivot variable torque hinge. According to this example, themethod 700 includes coupling a base hinge flange to the base, the basehinge flange being connected to a base hinge part that includes aknuckle including a toggle pivot, the toggle pivot coupled to andsurrounding a first portion of a first shaft (702). The method alsoincludes coupling a lid hinge flange to the lid, the lid hinge flangebeing connected to a main hinge part that includes a first cam, the lidhinge flange including a first lid main band and a second lid main bandsurrounding a first portion of a second shaft, the second shaft beingparallel to the first shaft (704).

Though the implementations herein are described with respect to a userrotating a lid of a computing device from a closed position to a360-degree position, they can also be applied to a user rotating a lidfrom the 360-degree position to the closed position. In this case,referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6C, when rotating the lid 104 through the225-degree position from a position greater than 225 degrees to aposition less than 225 degrees, the rotation of the main bands 316 a-b(specifically the first lid main band 316 a) and the first cam 380 aboutthe second shaft 372 can rotate/move the lid from the 360-degreeposition up to the 225-degree position. As the 225-degree position isapproached from the 360-degree position, the first cam 380 and thesecond cam 386 push apart from one another, further compressing thewasher stack 324, resulting in the creation of additional friction, thusincreasing the torque of the main hinge 108. At the 225-degree position,the incremental increase to the main hinge torque results in the mainhinge torque being greater than the base hinge torque. Subsequentmovement of the lid beyond the 225-degree position and up to the135-degree position (90 degrees of angular movement of the lid 104relative to the base 106) is performed by the rotation of the basehinge.

When the lid 104 is moved/pushed beyond the 135-degree position andtowards the closed position, the main hinge torque is decreased by theincremental amount. Referring to FIG. 3, at the 135-degree position,further movement of the lid 104 towards the closed position causes therotation of the main bands 316 a-b (specifically the first lid main band316 a) and the first cam 380 about the second shaft 372 causing thefirst cam 380 and the second cam 386 to move towards one another,reducing the compression of the washer stack 324, resulting in areduction in the friction, thus decreasing the torque of the main hinge108. At the 135-degree position, the incremental decrease to the mainhinge torque results in the main hinge torque being less than the basehinge torque. Subsequent movement of the lid beyond the 135-degreeposition and to the closed position is performed by the rotation of themain hinge 108.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In addition, the logic flows depicted in the figures do not require theparticular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. In addition, other steps may be provided, or steps may beeliminated, from the described flows, and other components may be addedto, or removed from, the described systems. Accordingly, otherembodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

While certain features of the described implementations have beenillustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions,changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Itis, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended tocover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of theimplementations. It should be understood that they have been presentedby way of example only, not limitation, and various changes in form anddetails may be made. Any portion of the apparatus and/or methodsdescribed herein may be combined in any combination, except mutuallyexclusive combinations. The implementations described herein can includevarious combinations and/or sub-combinations of the functions,components and/or features of the different implementations described.

What is claimed is:
 1. A computing device comprising: a lid; and a basecoupled to the lid by a hinge, the hinge including: a base hinge partincluding a base hinge flange and a knuckle including a toggle pivot,the toggle pivot coupled to and surrounding a first portion of a firstshaft; and a main hinge part including a first cam and a lid hingeflange including a first lid main band and a second lid main bandsurrounding a first portion of a second shaft, the second shaft beingparallel to the first shaft; and wherein the base hinge flange isconnected to the base, wherein the lid hinge flange is connected to thelid, wherein the first cam surrounds a second portion of the secondshaft, the second portion being adjacent to the first portion of thesecond shaft, wherein the first lid main band, the second main lid band,and the first cam are configured to rotate about the second shaftcausing the lid to rotate relative to the base, the rotation being froma first position to a second position, and the rotation being from athird position to a fourth position, wherein the base hinge flangeincludes a first base main band and a second base main band surroundinga second portion of the first shaft, and wherein the first base mainband and the second base main band are configured to rotate about thefirst shaft causing the lid to rotate relative to the base, the rotationbeing from the second position to the third position.
 2. The computingdevice of claim 1, wherein a main hinge torque is associated with themain hinge part and a base hinge torque is associated with the basehinge part.
 3. The computing device of claim 2, wherein the main hingetorque is less than the base hinge torque when the lid rotation is fromthe first position to the second position and from the third position tothe fourth position.
 4. The computing device of claim 3, wherein themain hinge torque is greater than the base hinge torque when the lidrotation is from the second position to the third position.
 5. Thecomputing device of claim 1, further comprising: a washer stack; and asecond cam surrounding a third portion of the second shaft locatedbetween the first portion and the second portion, the second cam beinglocated between the washer stack and the first cam; and wherein thefirst cam is pushed away from the second cam when the lid is in thesecond position, the pushing compressing the washer stack.
 6. Thecomputing device of claim 5, wherein the washer stack includes aplurality of friction washers surrounding the second shaft andconfigured as a stack.
 7. The computing device of claim 6, wherein amain hinge torque is associated with the main hinge part and a basehinge torque is associated with the base hinge part, and whereincompressing the washer stack increases the main hinge torque.
 8. Thecomputing device of claim 6, wherein the main hinge part furtherincludes an end nut that surrounds a fourth portion of the second shaft,the fourth portion being located at an end of the second shaft, the endnut retaining the washer stack on the second shaft.
 9. The computingdevice of claim 1, wherein the second shaft is hollow, wherein thecomputing device further comprises a plurality of wires that passthrough the second shaft, and wherein the plurality of wires connect afirst electrical component in the base of the computing device to asecond electrical component in the lid of the computing device.
 10. Thecomputing device of claim 1, wherein the hinge is coupled to the basesuch that the base hinge part is located within a recess included in thebase, and the main hinge part is located outside of the base, andhorizontally offset from the base hinge part.
 11. The computing deviceof claim 1, wherein the first position is a position where the lid is incontact with the base, wherein the second position is a position wherethe lid is placed at an angle that is approximately 135 degrees withrespect to the base, wherein the third position is a position where thelid is placed at an angle that is approximately 225 degrees with respectto the base, and wherein the fourth position is a position where the lidis placed at an angle that is approximately 360 degrees with respect tothe base.
 12. The computing device of claim 1, wherein a torque appliedto the lid by the main hinge part when the lid is rotated from the firstposition to the second position and when the lid is rotated from thethird position to the fourth position is substantially the same as atorque applied to the lid by the base hinge part when the lid is rotatedfrom the second position to the third position.
 13. A method of couplinga base to a lid of a computing device using a hinge, the methodcomprising: coupling a base hinge flange to the base, the base hingeflange being connected to a base hinge part that includes a knuckleincluding a toggle pivot, the toggle pivot coupled to and surrounding afirst portion of a first shaft; and coupling a lid hinge flange to thelid, the lid hinge flange being connected to a main hinge part thatincludes a first cam, the lid hinge flange including a first lid mainband and a second lid main band surrounding a first portion of a secondshaft, the second shaft being parallel to the first shaft; and whereinthe first cam surrounds a second portion of the second shaft, the secondportion being adjacent to the first portion of the second shaft, whereinrotating the main hinge part causes the first lid main band, the secondmain lid band, and the first cam to rotate about the second shaftcausing the lid to rotate relative to the base, the rotation being froma first position to a second position, and the rotation being from athird position to a fourth position, wherein the base hinge flangeincludes a first base main band and a second base main band surroundinga second portion of the first shaft, and wherein rotating the base hingepart causes the toggle pivot to rotate causing the first base main bandand a second base main band to rotate about the first shaft causing thelid to rotate relative to the base, the rotation being from the secondposition to the third position.
 14. A computing device comprising: alid; and a base coupled to the lid by a dual pivot hinge, the dual pivothinge including: a first pivot structure coupled to the lid andcomprising a first pivot point; and a second pivot structure coupled tothe base and comprising a second pivot point; wherein the first pivotpoint and the second pivot point are spaced at a distance from oneanother such that the lid can clear the base when the lid is rotatedrelative to the base; wherein the first pivot structure includes ahollow shaft, wherein the computing device further comprises a pluralityof wires, and wherein a diameter of the hollow shaft is determined toallow the plurality of wires to pass through the hollow shaft.
 15. Thecomputing device of claim 14, wherein the first pivot structure includesa friction element different from a friction element included in thesecond pivot structure.
 16. The computing device of claim 14, wherein adiameter of the second pivot structure is less than a diameter of thefirst pivot structure.
 17. The computing device of claim 14, wherein adiameter of the first pivot structure is different from a diameter ofthe second pivot structure, and wherein the first pivot structure ishorizontally offset from the second pivot structure.
 18. The computingdevice of claim 14, wherein the dual pivot hinge sequences the rotationof the first pivot structure and the second pivot structure when the lidis rotated relative to the base.
 19. The computing device of claim 14,wherein a friction element included in the first pivot structure isdifferent from a friction element included in the second pivotstructure.